Richard Dunne hopes to repeat history with QPR

It seems unthinkable that little over a decade ago Manchester City were
battling for promotion to the Premiership.

Long battle: Richard Dunne believes QPR can win promotion back to the Premier League this seasonPhoto: PA

By James Restall

10:00PM BST 18 Aug 2013

Yet that was exactly what Richard Dunne and Shaun Wright-Phillips faced when City were relegated in 2001. Dunne’s summer switch from Aston Villa to Queens Park Rangers sees him playing in the second tier for the first time since City’s immediate return to the top flight under Kevin Keegan. Reunited with Wright-Phillips, the defender is keen to emulate the feat with his new employers.

“I played in the Championship with Man City when unfortunately we went down. Luckily we won it then so it will be nice if we can repeat that,” Dunne said. “Shaun was in the team then as well so hopefully we can rerun that experience and win the league.”

Joey Barton was only part of the youth setup when City were promoted but Dunne considers the midfielder vital to QPR’s ambitions this season. “I think Joey’s at a point now himself where he’s happy to stay.

“He’s obviously had his problems in the past but for as long as I’ve known him he’s been a good player,” Dunne said. “Whatever’s said against him, one thing that can’t be questioned is his will to win. He’s enjoying his football again and we’re all looking forward to a successful season so people want to stay.”

The 33-year-old is prepared for teams to raise their game against Rangers as they did against City eleven years ago. Ipswich were no exception, defending doggedly to deny strikers Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora.

Yet for all of Rangers’ seasoned campaigners it took a novice to secure all three points. Austin’s shot from Wright-Phillips’ pullback fell into the path of Tom Hitchcock, seven minutes into his QPR career. The 20-year-old reacted with the guile of a veteran centre forward, nipping in at the far post to cap a dream debut.

“Tom’s been one of those players who has looked really sharp around the box,” Dunne said.

“Last year the club went through quite a number of big money strikers so it’s hard but he’s obviously stuck at it and now he’s getting his opportunity.

“All the young lads want to do is play – they don’t have any cares in the world. Having a few of them on the bench gives the whole club a lift and we know we don’t have to rely on senior players all the time.”

QPR’s assistant manager Kevin Bond confirmed that the club were still unsure whether Scott Parker would join from Tottenham. He said: “Harry’s been a big admirer of Scott’s but whether it will happen or not I wouldn’t be sure at the moment.

“I think we’re short in the creativity department,” he continued. “I would be surprised if we don’t do a bit of business between now and the end of the window.”